Elizabeth Laikhter BA contributed to this article.

Dr. Samuel Lin is a double board-certified Plastic Surgeon and Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School who practices in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Lin is an active Board Member of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Bright Pink Foundations. Dr. Lin is active in both basic science and clinical research with a focus on face/neck/nose surgery (rhinoplasty), breast surgery (reduction, lift, and reconstruction), and body contouring. He collaborates with engineers, scientists, and other plastic surgeons at other institutions within the New England area, nationally, and internationally. He is the editor of several medical textbooks including Aesthetic Atlas of the Head and Neck, Atlas of Body Contouring, and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Pearls of Wisdom and Pearls of Wisdom Second and Third Editions. Haute Beauty Expert Dr. Samuel Lin explains how BodyTite relies on radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis and is great for the removal of stubborn fat.

Photo Credit: ShutterstockLiposuction has been used for decades to remove body fat from the body. Although it is relatively safe, patients can experience large areas of bruising after their procedure. Additionally, sagging skin can result after fat is removed. Motivated by wanting to improve patient experiences and satisfaction, engineers and plastic surgeons have worked together to develop improved technologies for fat removal. One of the many newer technologies on the market today is BodyTite. BodyTite is a device used for fat reduction that was introduced about a decade ago. This article goes into the details of exactly how BodyTite works.

BodyTite relies on radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis, which is quite a mouthful! Let’s break it down:

● Radiofrequency refers to radio waves, which are the same as those used to transmit radio signals. These waves are converted into thermal (heat) energy by the BodyTite system, which promotes skin tightening and fat removal.

● Lipolysis simply refers to the destruction of fat. The thermal energy generated by the radiofrequency waves of the BodyTite device promotes fat destruction. Fat destruction is initiated at the time of treatment and continues for up to 12 months after treatment.

The BodyTite instrument has two components:

● The internal electrode is shaped like a thin cannula, similar to a liposuction cannula. It is placed deep into the skin, in the adipose tissue (fat cell) layer. It is positively charged and emits radio-frequency heat energy from its tip.

● The external electrode glides across the skin and is negatively charged. The negative charge of the external electrode ensures that the thermal energy from the internal electrode is directed superficially, targeting appropriate structures in the adipose layer and deep dermal skin layer and sparing deeper structures. The external electrode has a temperature sensor to ensure the outer skin is not exposed to temperatures that could be damaging.

Photo Credit: ShutterstockThe internal and external electrodes of the BodyTite hand-held device ensure that the heat energy is directed in the adipose (fat) tissue layer first, followed by the deep layer of the skin called the dermis. By the time the radiofrequency energy from the internal electrode reaches the superficial skin layer, called the epidermis, it is so diffuse that it does not damage the skin. Overall, this process destroys fat tissue and promotes skin tissue regeneration and tightening, without burning the superficial skin.

● In the adipose tissue (fat cell) layer, the structures targeted are the fat cells, their blood supply, and the connective tissue structural support system. The thermal energy from the internal electrode causes fat cells to constrict, liquefy, and die along with their blood supply. The connective tissue system also contracts and tightens, which promotes shrinkage of the fatty cell layer. Liquefied fat cells can be suctioned through the end of the internal electrode’s cannula.

● By the time the radiofrequency beam arrives at the dermal skin layer, it is more diffuse. The skin dermis is a deep layer of the skin that is mostly composed of collagen, which is responsible for skin strength and elasticity. The diffuse thermal energy from the radiofrequency electrode stimulates new collagen growth and production, which promotes skin tightening.

What to expect during a procedure

Patients can be awake or lightly sedated for the duration of a BodyTite procedure. Pain is minimized with anesthetic gels and creams. After patients are properly prepared, the plastic surgeon will make a tiny incision in order to insert the inner cannula into the fatty tissue layer. The procedure typically takes about an hour and patients can go home immediately. Patients can return to work the following day and resume more strenuous activities after two days.

What results can be expected

Radiofrequency assisted liposuction (BodyTite) is not meant for weight loss, but it is great for the removal of stubborn fat in healthy patients. Fat can be removed from the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, arms, neck, and face. Patients can expect a reduction of up to two inches of fat tissue in a given area. Additionally, it can tighten the skin in the area from which fat is removed. However, areas with excess sagging skin are more difficult to treat. Many patients are satisfied with their results.